Borough SEND services need urgent action - report

Slough Borough Council said it was focused on improving SEND services

A borough must take urgent action to address widespread systematic failures in its special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services, a report has found.

Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission inspected the SEND support provided in Slough between 7 and 11 July.

Slough Borough Council and NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board make up the Slough local area partnership, which is responsible for SEND provision in the borough.

Sue Butcher, director of children's services at the council, said they accepted the report's findings and remained "focused on improving our services".

"We are working closely with our partners, parents, carers, children, and young people to make these improvements a reality," she added.

Improvements have been "too slow for too long," the report found, adding that there was a lack of effective oversight and strategic use of data to understand needs across the area.

Some children and young people do not get the help they needed because their education, health and care plans were outdated and inaccurate, it said.

There was also "weak" preparation for adulthood, with limited education, training, and employment opportunities.

Communication was another issue highlighted in the report, which referenced insufficient engagement between the Slough local area partnership with parents and diverse communities.

It added that families were unaware of the available support and activities.

Among the positive findings in the report was recognition of the boroughs wide range of emotional and mental health support.

Councillor Puja Bedi, cabinet member for children and lifelong learning, said: "The report highlights areas where we are performing well, as well as areas where we must do better.

"I am determined that the partnership continues to make rapid progress so that children and families receive the support they deserve."

Tracey Faraday-Drake, director for children, mental health, and learning disabilities at NHS Frimley, said it will "continue to strengthen our partnerships to prioritise actions and improve services for children and young people and their families".

The partnership must urgently address the issues highlighted in the report through a priority action plan.

A monitoring inspection will occur within 18 months, and a full reinspection within three years.